The Influence of Mr. Toad

This past Monday I went to Disneyland with my best friend, Julie. I had not been there in a very long time and had never been to California Adventure. After I got over the sticker shock and the over-the-top chipperness of the ticket girl, I had an extremely relaxing and enjoyable time. I loved Screamin' California and Soarin' Over California. But what I really enjoyed was the Hollywood Tower Hotel. For those who have never experienced this ride, it is the best drug for an adrenaline junkie such as myself. I loved every minute of it; The Twilight Zone, the free fall, the pitch black of the elevator shaft, the climb back up to fall again... I could have stayed on it all day and been extremely happy! The only downside was having to get off the elevator. The rest of the day was a blast and very relaxed. 

At the end of our time in Disneyland, Julie and I wandered over to Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. I did not remember it being an attraction when I was little and I love The Wind in the Willows stories. I remember watching The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad as a kid and was excited to see it replayed as a ride for children of all ages. What I didn't realize was how much watching that movie over and over has shaped the person I am today. As we stood in line some interesting facets of my personality and that of Mr. Toad were revealed.

 

Facet the First: I love the name Thadeus. Don't know why really; I just do. Mr Toad's full name is J. Thadeus Toad, Esq. Could this have inspired my desire to name any children I might have one day odd and unique names, such as: Zedekiah Thadeus, Zephra Julianna Skye, Zaria Marianne Darcy, Nathaniel Simon and Tenasi Shenandoah? Coincidentally, my dad always said that this was the reason why I am perpetually unwed.

Facet the Second: Toad Hall is an amazing architectural wonder with secret passageways and funky alcoves. I love architecture! I would rather take photos of buildings than people. I want to protect and restore buildings as a profession. I remember, and can draw with precise detail, the floor plan of every home I have lived in since I was 5 years old.  I plan my vacations around  homes, buildings or museums that I would like to explore. 

Facet the Third: Toad Hall contains one of the most impressive libraries ever seen in theaters. It makes Henry Higgins' library in My Fair Lady look like a cheap copy. I feel most at home in libraries and bookstores. I make friends with the people who work at these places. They know my name and ask me for reading suggestions. 90% of my personal possessions are books. I rarely make it out of a bookstore without a purchase. Every house that I have designed contains a massive library as a main room. And they all look like the one in Toad Hall in my head.

Facet the Last: I love cars. Mr. Toad is obsessed with motorcars. He sees one and his eyes do the swirly colored, kaleidoscope of someone who is completely mesmerized. I once rubber necked  a Lotus Elise on I-40 in New Mexico just because I was fascinated to see one driving next to me on the freeway. I get girly and giggly when I see amazing cars or just the BMW Z4 Roadster. I want to attend the Porsche Sport Driving School and learn how to do a K-turn. I love to go fast and have received two speeding tickets. I dream of one day driving on the Autobahn where there is no speed limit. Mr. Toad got in trouble and ended up in Hell for his obsession with motorcars.

So apparently I can place all blame for my wild child tendencies on Mr. Toad. My desire to jump out of airplanes and SCUBA dive to deep sea wrecks definitely did not come from my parents. I do resist the urge to pull fire alarms since this is a felony. But every once in awhile my inner Mr. Toad creeps up and wants to take control. Amazing what an effect a make believe person can have on one's life. Especially when it takes you 20 years to figure it out.